What a Dad Does

9609167_SWhen you’re barely old enough to remember, a father swings you high into the air – almost too high but while it’s scary it’s also amazing. You see the world from on high for just a minute before safely landing on the ground, and you reach your hands up and say, “More.”

Wrestling, running, jumping – dad plays harder than anyone else. As the evening goes into night games of tag and races across the yard are more exciting because the biggest boy of all joins in – dad.

At parties, your father is the first person who ever asks you to dance. Feet in your dress shoes stand on his as he slowly turns you around the floor to the music and you are the happiest child in the room.

20387713_SRiding a bike is hard, but it’s easier with your dad right there, holding the seat, talking you through how everything works, picking you and your bike up when you fall, and telling you to go faster and faster until you realize that he’s no longer behind you and you are riding your bike all by yourself.

For every milestone, dad is there. Cheering you on at little league, helping you learn how to throw and catch a ball or kick a goal in soccer. Clapping at every school play, recital and concert. Telling you that you were wonderful and nobody noticed when you forgot a line.

There are the tough days too, when he has to let you know that what you did was wrong and help you find a way to fix it.

Every kid needs a dad. But don’t limit your thinking. So many people in your life can be a dad for you, including uncles, family friends and even moms. It’s about knowing that whatever happens, your dad or dads will have your back. And that’s what Father’s Day is all about: thanking all the dads in your life. Be sure you do.

Make Father’s Day Special

17605308_SDo you want to celebrate Father’s Day in a fun and special way? How about capitalizing on a dad cliché instead of trying to do something different?

One fun party idea could use the theme “Dad in Plaid.” Get everyone in the family plaid shirts and some kind of plaid shorts including the guest of honor – they don’t have to match. As a matter of fact, they could clash and make the look even more entertaining.

Use a plaid tablecloth, napkins and see what you can find in terms of plaid decorations. Or create your own special look by picking up plaid shirts and shorts from a thrift shop and scattering them on the table and draped over pictures on the wall.

14626444_SYou may find paper plates or cupcake covers such as the one shown in the photo to the right. Be sure to take lots of pictures of the party and see if you can work the plaid theme into any gifts or gift wrap. For example, plaid boxers or madras shorts would fit the look.

Another party theme could be “Dad and the Ties that Bind.” Have everyone wear ties, including the youngest members of the family, and use ties gathered from a thrift shop or two to decorate. Extra wide ties from paper could serve as placemats. Old ties would also make good ribbons for gifts.

You may want to have every child draw with fabric paints on plain ties to give dad some “fancy” handmade ties from the family. Once again, get photos.

Father’s Day is worth celebrating, so why not give the dad or dads in your life a chance to be a little silly on his day? You’ll create an event that everyone will remember.